FIFA make decision on whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be banned from World Cup opener

The Portuguse superstar was sent off against Ireland last week

In his 226th appearance for his nation against Ireland last week, the Al Nassr star was shown a straight red for an alleged elbow on Dara O'Shea, Ronaldo's first sending off in his international career.

Despite the sending off, and Portugal's subsequent loss to Ireland, Portugal still managed to secure automatic qualification for the tournament.

Under FIFA rules, red cards in international matches usually carry a three-match ban, especially when awarded for violent conduct.

With no more competitive matches between now and the start of the tournament, there had been some fear that Roberto Martinez's side would be without their talismanic leader for the opening two matches of the tournament.

After an arduous week-long wait, FIFA have now made their decision.

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As reported by BBC Sport, Ronaldo will not miss the beginning of the tournament.

FIFA have opted to "suspend" the second and third matches of his ban until after the World Cup.

He will serve out the remainder of the ban in a year's time.